Compare the Time Share Exchanges

A clear comparison of the two biggest timeshare exchange companies — Interval International and RCI — from the perspective of someone who owns a fixed week (like at Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Apartments in Dublin, Ireland): what they offer, how easy they are to use, and which might suit your travel goals best.

🌍 Overview: What These Companies Are

Resort Condominiums International (RCI)

The largest timeshare exchange network in the world - 4,300 resorts in 110+ countries.

Offers weeks-based and points-based exchange systems.

Owned by Travel + Leisure Co. (Wyndham).

Interval International (II)

The second-largest exchange company, with ~3,200-plus affiliated resorts.

Focuses on curated, often higher-end properties and a range of travel perks.

Owned by Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

🔁 How Exchanges Work for Week Owners

With either company you:

Deposit your week (your annual right to use your Fitzpatrick Castle week) into the exchange network.

Receive trading power (a value based on unit size, season, resort demand).

Use that value to request another week at a different resort.

Differences in the deposit/exchange process:

✅ Interval International

Has a “Request First” feature — you can search for a week before you deposit your own, which helps if timing and choice matter to you.

Offers additional programs like Getaways (discounted vacations without depositing a week), Member Travel discounts, and tiered plans with more perks.

Generally considered to have a higher overall quality of affiliated resorts.

✅ RCI

Has more total resorts and destinations — meaning greater variety and usually easier availability in more places.

Offers RCI Points (flexibility in stay lengths/arrival dates) and RCI Platinum with extra booking perks and discounts.

Includes benefits like RCI Travel (access to hotel stays, flights, car rentals).

💼 Network Size & Quality

Feature Interval International RCI

Number of affiliated resorts ~3,200+ ~4,300+

Geographic coverage Strong worldwide Strong worldwide

Quality focus More curated/higher-end options Broader range (from budget to luxury)

Points flexibility Available Stronger points system

In general, RCI beats Interval on volume and sheer choice, while Interval often edges ahead on quality control and curated vacation experiences.

💰 Costs & Fees (Typical)

Both companies charge:

Annual membership fees (required to use exchange services).

Exchange fees per request deposited.

Typical patterns (may vary year to year):

Interval International: Basic ~USD 99/year (higher tiers cost more).

RCI: Weeks ~USD 109, Points ~USD 134/year; Platinum and extras cost more.

Generally, RCI tends to be slightly more expensive overall, especially if you buy upgraded features.

🔎 Key Strengths & Weaknesses

🌟 Interval International Pros

Often has higher-end and luxury properties in its network.

Request First lets you search before depositing your week.

Includes travel perks and Getaway deals without needing an exchange.

Annual fees tend to be on the lower end for basic membership.

Limitations

Fewer total properties than RCI — can mean less availability, especially in less common destinations.

🌐 RCI Pros

Boots the largest selection of resorts and stays globally.

Points option often gives greater flexibility in booking shorter/longer stays.

Extra services like RCI Travel and priority bookings with Platinum upgrades.

Limitations

You might need higher trading power for popular destinations.

More membership tiers and optional fees can make total costs climb.

🧳 What Owners Often Report

From UK/US timeshare owner chats, some common subjective points many owners highlight:

People with II sometimes feel the quality of resorts is higher but availability limited if demand is high.

Some RCI users find the variety and choice greater, especially for unusual or off-season weeks.

Both systems require advance planning — the closer to popular travel weeks you wait, the fewer choices you may have.

Exchange inventory in both networks can feel limited if many owners want the same destinations.

🏖️ Which Is Better for You?

Choose Interval International if you value:

Higher quality and luxury resorts

Travel perks without having to deposit your week

Simple pricing and a refined network

Choose RCI if you want:

Maximum choice of destinations worldwide

Flexible points and stay options

Extra travel booking perks (hotels, flights, cruises)

Many seasoned owners join both — using the strengths of each to maximize their exchange opportunities.

📌 Bottom Line for a Week Owner Like You

Since you own a fixed week at Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Apartments in Dublin, your decision largely hinges on how you want to travel:

If you want varied destinations and flexibility, RCI usually offers the bigger playground.

If you want controlled quality and perks like request-before-deposit or getaway deals, Interval International can be more appealing.

On a personal note I recently decided on another option you may want to look into. A new exchange service called 7across  ( See https://www.7across.com/ )  I have joined, however not used their exchange service yet but I am keen to hear your views.   

  • Free Membership and low Exchange fee. Really!
  • Search for free at over 5,000 resorts around the world. No fees or deposit required.
  • Simple 1:1 Exchange – Give a week, get a week.